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Ivana is one of the three major pueblos of Batanes in the first half of the 19th century, alongside Basco and Marigatao.[4] A mission was opened in the late 18th century with evangelization described as successful mainly due to the baptism of seven of the nine principals of Ivana.[5]

In 1789, Joaquin del Castillo became the third governor of Batanes. Measures were put in place to ensure that all the natives including unbaptized ones respect and obey the law by means of obedience to the governor as king's representative. An uprising ensued led by a certain "evil and lawless man" named Chivunao of Ivana, who persuaded his chiefs to rebel against the government. His failed attempt prompted him to organize an uprising in Itbud where the Spaniards' cannons forced the rebels to surrender.[5]

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 16.54 square kilometres (6.39 sq mi)[2] constituting 7000755000000000000♠7.55% of the 219.01-square-kilometre- (84.56 sq mi) total area of Batanes.